Mannum Ferry

There are two ferries operating at Mannum to transport vehicles and pedestrians across the river. I understand they need two ferries at Mannum to cater for the large number of people visiting this area during weekends and school holidays. There are 11 locations along the Murray that provide ferry services and they operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week - free of charge.  

Rules for ferry users are clearly displayed at the crossing location and they include:

• 10 km/h speed limit on ramp and ferry
• Wait until directed by the ferry operator before driving on or off the ferry.
• Use handbrake when in position.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Do not hinder or obstruct the ferry operator.
• If asked, provide correct, name, address and gross vehicle mass to the ferry operator.
• At night drivers are requested to switch to parking lights only to avoid blinding the ferry operator.
• All emergency vehicles that arrive at a ferry crossing displaying emergency beacons or sounding sirens are given priority to board the ferry.

Rules for boats at the ferry crossing include:

• 4 knots within 100 metres of the ferry crossing (either side)
• Never pass in front of a ferry or close to a ferry that is crossing the river. The heavy steel cables used to guide the ferry may be near the surface and can seriously damage a boat. 
• Always slow down and if necessary stop and wait for the ferry to reach the bank before crossing.
• If your vessel is not fitted with a horn then approach the ferry with caution.
• At the 100 metre mark vessels should be manoeuvred towards the available channel  in the centre of the river - stay at least 30 metres away from the ferry.
• The ferry operator will let you know if the ferry is not leaving the river bank by displaying a green flashing light when at rest on either side of the river.
• At Mannum where there are two ferries, proceed when either one or both are showing their green flashing lights.

Full details of rules and crossing diagrams for boat operators is available on the SA Government website -www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-motoring/boating-and-marine/boat-and-marine-safety/river-murray-ferry-services/rules-for-boats-at-ferry-crossings.

We crossed the Murray several times while towing our caravan and found all the Ferry Operators to be most helpful and friendly - a great service.